Tag Archives: Lucifer

If you enjoy watching sporting events, it doesn’t take much for emotions to fluctuate between highs and lows. Certain games are considered instant classics, known as back and forth affairs with momentum constantly changing. Last Sunday’s National Football League playoff game between the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles is a perfect example, leaving most fans on the edge of their seats until the final play. In the final minute, both teams seemed destined to advance to the next round. A 43 yard field goal was the difference, at least until a late whistle nullified the game winning kick. Minutes later the kick that counted was partially blocked, hit the left upright, then the cross bar before bouncing backward in the field of play. In one of the strangest finishes ever, this game was the epitome of high to low.

Then it happened when Saul turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came to pass that day. 10 When they came to the hill [Gibeah], behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came on him mightily, and he prophesied [under divine guidance] among them, 1 Samuel 10:9-10.

Prior to the creation of the earth, an archangel known as Lucifer was one of the highest ranking spiritual entities in heaven. An Old Testament prophet highlights the beauty of this angel of song in Ezekiel 28. The best way to encapsulate Lucifer’s appearance is imagine the most magnificent pipe organ in the world, able to hit any note with perfection. Combine this talent with the most gorgeous gems in the universe, majestic wings and beauty beyond belief. These qualities formed this amazing angelic being. Yet, as God the Father revealed his plan for creation, mankind would be elevated to a higher status than angels. This didn’t sit too well with Lucifer, mulling the details over with other angels. The seeds of rebellion were sown during these discussions. Thus, when the Lord asked for Lucifer’s support, Satan refused, kicked out of heaven in an instant, sent from the high as an archangel to a lowly demon on earth.

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble,” James 4:6.

As a parent, the birth of our three children were some of the greatest days of my life. In the days that followed, there were many firsts: crawling, talking and walking. While raising children can be exhausting, the rewards and satisfaction was worth all the hard work, sweat and tears. Yet, as children grow up, life can become a long emotional roller coaster going from high to low, low to high and back down again. If you live for the moment, these waves of emotion will wear you out. Perhaps, this may explain why Jesus wants his followers to live by faith, not by sight. Sure, even strong believers wrestle with doubt, especially when the lows outnumber the highs. Nonetheless, failures bring individuals closer to God via humility. Meanwhile, the cocky are brought down to earth as God opposes the proud. Thus, as you wait for the next ride, lean on God’s grace when you fall so you can appreciate the journey back up.

A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic in which opposing arguments are put forward. In ancient Greece, philosophers went to the market place to exchange new ideas. According to Acts 17:18, Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to engage the apostle Paul. Trying to be relevant, Paul references an idol in Athens, quotes a famous poet and makes a reference to being an offspring of God. When you don’t have much in common, its essential to find a starting place that will open the hearts and minds of a foreign audience to your point of view.

And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God,’” Matthew 4:3-4.

Meanwhile, Jesus used a different strategy, especially when confronted by first century religious leaders. In the passage above, a fallen angel, Lucifer, aka Satan tempts Jesus during his forty day fast in preparation of his earthly ministry. Instead of using a rhetorical question on this occasion, Jesus simply says, “it is written.” As a former archangel who knew God’s Word, Jesus corrects the deceivers request by referencing the Old Testament. This didn’t discourage Satan, as he quotes the Bible, daring Jesus to use God’s supernatural powers for selfish reasons. To finish this spiritual debate, Jesus uses the Bible to correct what Satan took out of context.

So then, if David calls Him (the Son, the Messiah) ‘Lord,’ how is He David’s son?”46 No one was able to say a word to Him in answer, nor from that day on did anyone dare to question Him again, Matthew 22:45-46.

At the beginning of Matthew 22, Jesus endures an onslaught from Pharisees, Sadducees and religious leaders. Like a fierce game of pin the tail on the donkey, each expert of the law tried to trick Jesus into making a mistake by de-emphasizing one of the ten commandments. Beside using expressions like haven’t you read, Jesus answers each question with another question. One by one, each religious leader left defeated, no match for the Son of God. While no one possesses the wisdom of Jesus, if you find yourself losing a debate, reference the Bible by saying, “Haven’t you heard?” Then quote a passage of the Bible that relates to your discussion, “it is written.”

The pronouncement of a coup d’état derives from the Spanish expression golpe de estado. Commonly used in Spain and South America, this refers to a formal explanation for the deposing of a regnant government. Ousting, overthrowing and seizing power is justified with an installation of a new government, considered in the best interest for the future of a country. Whether this is true or not does not matter as long as any opposition forces are eliminated.

17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like [a flash of] lightning, Luke 10:17-18.

Coup d’etat’s are not limited to the political realm. Rather, one spiritual elite conceived a plan to alter God’s grand design for planet earth. Instead of allowing mankind to rule, a fallen archangel conspired with his cohorts, a third of heavens angels to regain control. Thus, this sly creature entered a snake to commence operation sin. Sure, the thought of a woman talking to a snake doesn’t make much sense, but prior to the confusion of speech within Babel, Genesis 11:1-9, some scholars believe animals were initially able to talk with human beings.

Now the serpent was more crafty (subtle, skilled in deceit) than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And the serpent (Satan) said to the woman, “Can it really be that God has said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?”- Genesis 3:1

The Coup of all coups began with one subtle question, “did God really say?” After a persuasive conversation, it didn’t take long before minds were teased with the possibility of becoming like God. This thought was too tempting to let go of, day dreaming of what this might be like. Without much resistance, Adam and Eve handed over their authority of earth over to Lucifer who remains in power today as ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2. What a waste, foregoing the future of a perfect life on earth to indulge in an instant of gratification that quickly fades.

13 For such men are counterfeit apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light, 2 Corinthians 11:13-14.

Unfortunately, the Coup of all coups continues today in relative obscurity. The worse part is that Satan has deceived some church leaders to twist and alter truth of the Bible. This has led certain Christian denominations to not believe in the Devil. The watering down of God’s Word is enabling individuals to be deceived daily while Satan continues to masquerade as an angel of light. May this blog awaken hearts and alert minds to this spiritual danger. May the Holy Spirit give you eyes to see through this darkness so that Satan’s coup d’état doesn’t destroy another life.

Inside of every human being, subtle imperfections exist. While its easy to focus on the negative, highlighting the good within people seems like a lost art. Driven by a political climate where enemies are destroyed, discredited or smeared, malevolent thoughts are taking over. Instead of listening to the guiding light of your conscience, a glimmer of darkness is infiltrating minds to promote hostility.

And He said, “Whatever comes from [the heart of] a man, that is what defiles and dishonors him.21 For from within, [that is] out the heart of men, come base and malevolent thoughts and schemes, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries,22 acts of greed and covetousness, wickedness, deceit, unrestrained conduct, envy and jealousy, slander and profanity, arrogance and self-righteousness and foolishness (poor judgment).23 All these evil things [schemes and desires] come from within and defile and dishonor the man,” Mark 7:20-23.

During a parable known as the heart of man, Jesus’ harsh words made his disciples feel uncomfortable. After the crowds went home, the disciples requested a private meeting, wanting to understand what Jesus meant by malevolent thoughts. If the eyes are the lamp of the body, Matthew 6:19-24, the heart is the voice within. Cursing, inappropriate language and swearing doesn’t happen over night. Rather, words naturally flow out of what’s stored up inside your heart.

But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. 17 For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do, Galatians 5:16-17.

The apostle Paul blames this conflict on a spiritual battle between 2 opposing powers. If Lucifer infected Eve with lust in the Garden of Eden, the presence of sin has become a deadly venom poisoning once innocent hearts. While cable news, social media and talk radio focus on outward actions, deeds and words, no one is addressing the heart of this matter. Unless individuals begin to take this condition serious, malevolent thoughts will continue to create havoc. May this blog awaken your soul so that you will become responsive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to overcome malevolent thoughts.

Squeeze has multiple definitions depending upon the context. This term can refer to firmly gripping an object, getting through a restricted space, obtaining something with difficultly or shooting a round from a gun. In the 2015 film the Squeeze, a young hot shot golfer played by Jeremy Sumpter is lured by a high priced gambler to play golf for money. Based upon the real life events of Keith Flatt, Sumpter goes to Las Vegas to put his life and family on the line in a high stakes bet for 1 million dollars. In the end, Sumpter has to choose between keeping the woman of his dreams or remaining undefeated as a golfer.

For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened [that is, you will have greater awareness], and you will be like God, knowing [the difference between] good and evil.” 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was delightful to look at, and a tree to be desired in order to make one wise and insightful, she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband with her, and he ate, Genesis 3:5-6.

After Lucifer was kicked out of heaven for glorifying himself as the most beautiful arch angel, he took with him a third of the angels. Maintaining angelic powers while on earth, Ephesians 2:2, this ruler of the air recruited powers of darkness to put the squeeze on mankind. Lucifer’s first victim is an innocent woman, Eve, curious about the Tree of Knowledge. Although her husband Adam was right there with her, he allowed enticement to linger. This lack of spiritual leadership enabled sin to be conceived.

Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive and remain with man forever, because he is indeed flesh [sinful, corrupt—given over to sensual appetites]; nevertheless his days shall yet be a hundred and twenty years,” Genesis 6:3.

By the time of Noah’s generation, the presence of sin spread like a spiritual plague throughout the earth. Disappointed by the choices made by the human beings, God decided to punish future generations by limiting life on earth to 120 years. Similar to the tactics used by Riverboat played by Christopher McDonald in the Squeeze, temporary pleasures are hard to resist. What make matters worse is that Satan knows your weaknesses, luring weakened souls to indulge their sensual appetites. In the end, what choices will you make when you are squeezed by temptation? Choose wisely.

The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming around on the earth and from walking around on it,” Job 1:7.

Lucifer was once an arch angel, an anointed Cherub according to Ezekiel 28:14. An angel of song and one of the most beautiful creatures in all of heaven, Satan exercised free will. This decision resulted in his expulsion from heaven, cast down to earth. Despite this demotion, Satan is recognized as the ruler of the air by the apostle Paul, Ephesians 2:2, maintaining his angelic powers. This supernatural ability enables Satan to scan the earth quickly, preying upon weak and vulnerable souls, 1 Peter 5:8.

Satan answered the Lord, “Skin for skin! Yes, a man will give all he has for his life. 5 But put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh [and severely afflict him]; and he will curse You to Your face,” Job 2:4-5.

Satan’s first victim is a curious woman, attracted to a beautiful tree with luscious fruit. Entering into a serpent, this crafty being planted doubt within the minds of human beings. Questioning the only rule given to Adam as caretaker of the Garden of Eden, Satan challenged God’s authority, using logic and justification to promote sin. After successfully lying to Adam and Eve, Satan set his sights on taking down Job. Asking God for permission, illness is introduced to earth, striking Job’s body. The goal of this affliction is to force Job, a man of integrity to curse God. While Satan’s second attack was unsuccessful, imagine the array of tricks Satan uses today to encourage individuals to deny God.

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies, John 8:44.

During a discourse about what it means to be a true disciple, Jesus unmasks Satan’s natural language. The founder of half truths, Satan hides behind lies, convincing the uninformed that compromise, lust and temporary pleasures is okay to do every once in a while. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells the crowd, where your heart is, there your treasure will be also, Matthew 6:19-21. Giving into any sort of subtle deviation from the truth plays into the hand of the Devil. To ensure that future believers don’t fall into this trap, the apostle Paul urges people to test everything that you hear, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22. Any type of careless response to unproven information sets you up for failure, deceived by the father of lies. Therefore, be alert, on guard and prepared for smooth talkers seeking to persuade you into believing a lie.

In the Christmas Classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, who scrambles to locate $8000 which his cousin Billy misplaced at the bank. Retracing his uncles steps, George runs into Mr. Potter played by Lionel Barrymore at the bank. Instead of handing George the money that he found wrapped in a newspaper, Potter accuses George of various crimes. This dilemma leads George to pray for a miracle. When he receives is a right hook to the face at his local hangout, George turns to suicide as a logical solution to his problems. When prayers lifted up to God go unanswered, Satan replaces this silence with perverted whispers in the minds of human beings.

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, 2 Corinthians 11:14.

During one of his visits to what is now modern day Greece, the apostle Paul seems to have uncovered some type of demonic activity going on in or around Corinth. Just like Darth Vader in the Star Wars movies, Satan has a history that does not include the dark side. Anakin Skywalker followed the force, on pace to become the next Jedi. Likewise Satan, known as Lucifer was an arch angel, one of God’s most magnificent creations. At some point, this fact went to his head, wanting to glorify himself. Despite being kicked out of heaven, this ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2, didn’t lose his angelic powers. Thus, Satan is able to disguise himself as a vessel of light.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

If there is a word that best describes the Devil today its relentless. This demonic entity is always scheming, using lust and temptation as open doors to come into and ruin lives. Murders aren’t on the rise just because of crime, drugs and hatred. Rather, when broken, desperate and lost souls continue to experience silence after cries for help, the enemy perverts silence. According to Isaiah 1:15, God is silent when individuals fail to repent. Any type of addiction furthers distance between you and God. If you want to end this silence, follow the blueprint within Isaiah 1:16-17. As genuine confession and acts of penance follow, God promises grace, forgiveness and healing. Don’t let the Devil’s deception to continue to ruin lives of loved ones. Rather, fast, pray and worship the Lord so that evil will be exposed and brought to the light.